Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Gnocchi Salad

This Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi salad is an easy 20-minute meal made with all Trader Joe's ingredients! It combines golden, pan-seared sweet potato gnocchi with crunchy greens, seasoned chickpeas, sweet corn, peas, and fresh green onions, all tossed in Green Goddess dressing. The combination of warm, pillowy gnocchi and fresh, crunchy vegetables is so good, and it's a great way to turn a bag of frozen gnocchi into a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi

I've been on a Trader Joe's kick lately, finding different ways to turn their frozen and ready-to-use ingredients into quick, convenient meals. When I came across this viral Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi recipe from @erekav, I knew I had to try it. I already love their sweet potato gnocchi, but I'd never thought to use it in a pasta salad, and the combination looked too good to pass up.

What I love about this recipe is how many different flavors and textures you get from such simple ingredients. The pan-seared gnocchi is soft and pillowy with golden edges, and the addition of the Cruciferous Crunch mix adds a nice crunch. The seasoned chickpeas, sweet corn, peas, and Green Goddess dressing bring everything together without needing to make a sauce from scratch.

It's also incredibly convenient. Almost everything comes straight from Trader Joe's, and the whole recipe takes about 20 minutes to make. It's a great vegetarian lunch or easy weeknight dinner when you want something filling without spending much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi
• 1 Bag Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Mix
• 1 Can Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas Parsley and Cumin
• 1 Cup Trader Joe’s Frozen Fire Roasted Corn, defrosted
• 1 Cup Trader Joe’s Organic Frozen Peas, defrosted
• 4 Green Onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ Cup Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing
• 2 Tsps. Olive Oil

How to Make Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Cook the frozen fire-roasted corn and green peas according to their package instructions, then set them aside to cool. Thinly slice the green onions while the vegetables cool.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen sweet potato gnocchi and spread it into an even layer. Cook for about 4 minutes, then gently flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi is heated through and lightly golden on both sides. Be careful not to break the gnocchi as it softens. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Add the Trader Joe's Cruciferous Crunch mix to a large serving bowl. Add the Greek chickpeas along with their seasoned oil, followed by the cooled fire-roasted corn, green peas, and sliced green onions. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add the Green Goddess Dressing

Pour about ¼ cup of Trader Joe's Green Goddess dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing if desired.

Step 5: Add the Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Serve

Add the slightly cooled sweet potato gnocchi to the salad. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the gnocchi is evenly distributed and coated in dressing. Avoid overmixing so the gnocchi doesn't break apart or become mushy. Serve immediately while the gnocchi is slightly warm and the vegetables are fresh and crunchy. Enjoy!

My Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Gnocchi Salad

• Don't overcrowd the skillet. Spread the gnocchi in a single layer so it can develop golden, crispy edges instead of steaming. Use a large skillet or cook in batches if needed.
• Let the gnocchi cool slightly. I recommend letting it rest for 3–5 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps keep the greens crisp instead of wilting from the heat.
• Don't overdo the dressing. The Greek chickpeas already come packed in flavorful seasoned oil, so start with ¼ cup of Green Goddess dressing and add more as needed.
• Toss the gnocchi gently. Sweet potato gnocchi is delicate once cooked. Fold it into the salad last, using a spatula to avoid breaking or mashing the pieces.
• Keep the components separate for meal prep. If you're making this ahead, store the cooked gnocchi, vegetables, and dressing separately. Toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Gnocchi FAQ

Do I need to thaw Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi before cooking?

No! You can cook Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi straight from frozen. There's no need to boil it separately. Cook it in a skillet according to the package directions until heated through, then let it brown lightly before adding it to the salad.

Does Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi come with sauce?

Yes! Trader Joe's frozen sweet potato gnocchi comes coated in a butter and sage sauce that melts as it cooks. You don't need to add another sauce while cooking it. 

Can I serve this sweet potato gnocchi salad cold?

Yes, although I prefer serving it with the gnocchi slightly warm. You can also refrigerate the finished salad and enjoy it cold. Just keep in mind that the gnocchi will firm up in the refrigerator and the greens may soften after sitting in the dressing.

Is Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi salad vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is vegetarian since it uses gnocchi, chickpeas, vegetables, and dressing instead of meat. However, it's not vegan because Trader Joe's sweet potato gnocchi contains butter.

Can I make this gnocchi salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetables, cook the gnocchi, and store everything separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, combine the ingredients and toss with the Green Goddess dressing. This helps the vegetables stay crunchy and prevents the gnocchi from becoming too soft.

How do I store leftover sweet potato gnocchi salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh because the gnocchi and greens will soften over time. If you've stored the components separately, you can gently reheat the gnocchi in a skillet before assembling the salad.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes! Trader Joe's Cilantro Dressing, creamy herb dressing, or lemon vinaigrette would pair well with the sweet potato gnocchi and vegetables. I prefer Trader Joe's Green Goddess dressing because its fresh, herby flavor balances the sweet gnocchi and seasoned chickpeas.

Trader Joe's Recipes to Try Next

• Trader Joe's French Onion Meatballs
• Trader Joe's Focaccia Sandwich
• Trader Joe's Chicken Pot Pie
• Trader Joe's Pumpkin Baked Ravioli
• Trader Joe's Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
• Trader Joe's White Chicken Chili Enchiladas